Name: Mary McGlynn

Occupation: Director of National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD)

Where are you from?
I was born in Galway but, within a few months, my parents moved to Enniscorthy. Nine years later we came to Dublin where I have lived since.

What is your earliest childhood memory?
When I was about two years of age I broke a blue cup belonging to my favourite toy tea-set. I can still feel the pain!!

How many siblings have you?
I have two brothers, one living in Ireland and one in Texas.

Are you a close family?
Very much so. I am close to my brothers and sisters-in-law and am privileged to have a wonderful relationship with my two nieces and two nephews.

Where did you go to school/college?
I was educated by the Loreto Order in Enniscorthy, and in St Stephen’s Green, and for my final two years I was a boarder in Loreto, Balbriggan. I then went to UCD and took my degree in languages.

Was there a teacher or lecturer who had a particular influence on you?
I have very fond childhood memories of my first teacher of music, Mother Joseph Anne Shaw, who helped me develop a great love of music and interest in playing the piano and cello. During my years in Balbriggan Mother Assumption Halpenny became a great friend and mentor until her death in the mid nineties.

Where did you do your teacher training?
In UCD and Mount Anville

How did you arrive at this point in your career?
Before my appointment as the first Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) in 1999, I spent my entire career in education in Mount Anville as teacher, Deputy Principal and for nine years, as Principal. At national level I was always involved in various aspects of professional development.

What does a typical workday involve?
The only constant factor is a 6am start! Every day is different. I may be working in the office in Leeson Street dealing with issues of concern to members, or attending meetings, conferences or school events.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Interacting with people, whether one-to-one or at meetings and conferences. As the first Director of NAPD I have enjoyed the challenge of setting up a professional association under the guidance of eight splendid Presidents and National Executives.

What do you like least about your work?
Unreasonable deadlines set by others! Time for meaningful consultation and reflection is required if good decisions are to be made. We need to slow down the pace of life by 25%!

What is the best thing that happened to you in the past year?
Experience has taught me that the most precious gifts in life are good health and warm friendships. As the years pass I have become increasingly grateful for both at the end of another year.

Are you a workaholic?
I work hard, sometimes very long hours, but I have no difficulty in relaxing and leaving it all behind. Life has taught me that work is never done!

What do you do to chill out?
Read, walk, enjoy music, travel, spend time with friends. Madrid is my second home, even for short breaks.

Do you like living in Dublin?
I really enjoy living in Dublin and love being in the city, especially at weekends. This is my time for meandering, particularly around the galleries. However, I must admit that I have a great grá for Galway: there is a great buzz about the city at any time of year.

What plans have you for the future?
A colleague recently commented If you want to make God smile, tell Him your plans! I hope to develop some creative talents – photography, sketching and painting. My sense of wanderlust has, if anything, increased through the years, and I would love to spend time in South America and return to Australia and South Africa. Volunteer work with some of the superb agencies like the Society of St Vincent de Paul would also be high on my agenda.

Have you a pet hate?
I am sure I could list many but the wisdom of age has taught me not to waste negative energy on things that don’t really matter!

Have you a role model?
Many people influenced me at different points in my life. On reflection I have absolutely no doubt but that the strongest role models were my parents. For me they encapsulated my concept of wholeness, at ease with themselves and with the world.

What in the world would you most like to change?
The increasingly pervasive attitude that people are as disposable as things and that outcomes, targets, accountability and possessions have become the religion of the 21st century. We need to question our values and priorities in Ireland right now.

Have you a message for principals and teachers?
Unsolicited messages are seldom welcome! I can only share my own experience in dealing with young people. The listening ear, the intuitive perception, the word of encouragement, the sense of fairness and justice, the acceptance of difference… these live on long after much of what is taught is forgotten. In a world that reduces all of us to human capital in the context of our market value, we, as educators, have a special role. We see our schools as communities that nurture growth, wholeness, relationships and the uniqueness of each individual, values that go far beyond the market place. Now more than ever we need to believe in ourselves and have the courage to make a stance for our vocational and professional ideals.